Li Fu from Yunnan Province, China, was stabbed during a robbery in 2006, and ended up with a 4in knife blade stuck in his brain. Even though he received treatment for his injuries, doctors failed to notice the knife buried deep in the 37-year-old’s skull.

In the past four years, Li had been suffering from continuous headaches and serious oral inflammation, according to Li’s brother. On January 24, 2011, Li underwent an X-ray inspection and he was told of the knife in his skull. Li’s family doubted the result, and decided to go to Yuxi for a more definite diagnosis. And, the existence of the knife in his brain was confirmed, which made the operation necessary.

Image source: globaltimes.cn

He underwent surgery and had the knife successfully taken out of his brain on February 12. Li’s condition is now steady, and he remains hospitalized in People’s Hospital in Yuxi city, Yunnan Province, according to a report in Spring City Evening Tuesday.

Image source: globaltimes.cn

Luo Zhiwei, head of the surgical department in the People’s Hospital of Yuxi, claims it can be called medical miracle. The knife was almost intact, except for the breaks in the middle, when taken out from Li’s brain.